King Gillette Ranch
Historic 1920s ranch in Calabasas offering stunning architecture, scenic hikes, and popular seasonal events.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid crowds, enjoy free access
King Gillette Ranch
Best Time
Avoid crowds, enjoy free access
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic 1920s ranch in Calabasas offering stunning architecture, scenic hikes, and popular seasonal events.
"A breathtaking venue with stunning landscaping and historical buildings, perfect for events and exploration."
🎟️ Book Event Tickets Early
Tickets for 'Holiday Road' and 'Nights of the Jack' sell out fast. Book online in advance!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The grounds can be uneven. Proper footwear is essential, especially for events.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Holiday Road
Main Ranch Area
An immersive holiday light experience with festive displays and movie-themed decorations.
Nights of the Jack
Main Ranch Area
A spectacular Halloween event featuring a mile-long trail of hand-carved jack-o'-lanterns and spooky scenes.
Historic Architecture
Ranch Buildings
Explore the unique 1920s Spanish Colonial Revival architecture of the main ranch buildings.
Hiking Trails
Various trails on the property
Enjoy scenic hikes with beautiful views of the surrounding Santa Monica Mountains.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Seasonal Events Draw Crowds
Daytime Exploration & Free Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Event Tickets Early
Tickets for 'Holiday Road' and 'Nights of the Jack' sell out fast. Book online in advance!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The grounds can be uneven. Proper footwear is essential, especially for events.
☀️ Daytime Free Exploration
Enjoy the ranch grounds and decorations for free before 4 PM daily.
🚗 Parking Can Be Chaotic
During events, parking can be challenging. Arrive early or consider ride-sharing.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Event Tickets Early
Tickets for 'Holiday Road' and 'Nights of the Jack' sell out fast. Book online in advance!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The grounds can be uneven. Proper footwear is essential, especially for events.
☀️ Daytime Free Exploration
Enjoy the ranch grounds and decorations for free before 4 PM daily.
🚗 Parking Can Be Chaotic
During events, parking can be challenging. Arrive early or consider ride-sharing.
📸 Capture the Magic
Bring your camera for stunning photos of the architecture and event decorations.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise King Gillette Ranch for its stunning architecture and beautiful grounds, especially during seasonal events like 'Holiday Road' and 'Nights of the Jack.' The events are described as breathtaking and well-organized, offering a magical experience. However, some attendees have noted issues with parking chaos and event value for money during specific, high-priced gatherings.
"As a party rental company been able to work in such as breathtaking venue is always a pleasure. From the initial onsite appointment to the actual wedding day set up, The staff was there to guide and support in all aspects. Having the support of the staff at any venue is very important to vendors like us as we want to make sure our events are as smooth as possible so that our clients can have the best experience possible. King Gillet was able to delivered that and then some. The set up we produced at this venue was stunning thanks to the well kept landscaping and historical buildings."
party rental Creation
"Beautiful property! Wonderful Christmas displays and fun food trucks! It wasn't all jammed up like other places and we thoroughly enjoyed it!"
Nanci Hanover
"We were there for the Holiday Road event. Overall it was pretty darn cool. They had some displays that you don't see at other holiday light events. I think that the pictures speak for themselves. Love that there were food trucks and bars set up on the premise as well. Always a plus in our books."
Colette Hyder-Dean
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
King Gillette Ranch is located at 26800 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas, CA 91302. It's accessible by car, with parking available on-site. Many visitors use GPS or mapping apps to navigate the winding roads.
Public transportation options are limited for reaching King Gillette Ranch directly. It's generally recommended to drive or use ride-sharing services.
From Los Angeles, take US-101 North and exit onto Las Virgenes Road. Turn right onto Mulholland Highway, and the ranch will be on your left. Always check traffic conditions before you go.
During the day, parking at the visitor center is typically free. However, for special ticketed events like 'Holiday Road' and 'Nights of the Jack,' parking fees may apply or be included in the ticket price.
Yes, King Gillette Ranch is open to the public during the day on weekdays. It's a great time to visit for hiking and exploring the grounds without the large crowds.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You do not need tickets to visit King Gillette Ranch during the day for general exploration and hiking. However, for special events like 'Nights of the Jack' and 'Holiday Road,' advance ticket purchase is required.
Ticket prices for 'Nights of the Jack' can vary, typically ranging from $25-$40 per person, with potential discounts for children or group rates. It's best to check the official event website for current pricing and to purchase tickets.
As a public park, King Gillette Ranch is generally accessible during daylight hours. For specific event hours, such as 'Nights of the Jack' or 'Holiday Road,' consult their respective websites as they operate on a different schedule.
It is highly recommended to purchase tickets for 'Nights of the Jack' and 'Holiday Road' online in advance, as events often sell out. Buying at the gate may not be possible or could be significantly more expensive.
Yes, exploring the ranch grounds, hiking the trails, and viewing the historic architecture are free activities during the day. Special events require paid admission.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
During the day, you can enjoy hiking on various trails, admire the historic 1920s architecture, and take in the scenic views of the Santa Monica Mountains. It's a peaceful escape for nature lovers.
'Nights of the Jack' features a mile-long trail filled with thousands of hand-carved jack-o'-lanterns, immersive scenes, and impressive light displays. There are also food trucks and themed drinks.
'Holiday Road' offers a festive drive-through or walk-through experience with elaborate Christmas decorations, including displays inspired by popular holiday movies. Food trucks and bars are also available.
Yes, King Gillette Ranch is very family-friendly, especially during daytime visits and for events like 'Nights of the Jack' and 'Holiday Road,' which are designed for all ages.
Restrooms are available at the visitor center and are generally well-maintained. During events, additional facilities are usually provided.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
During special events like 'Nights of the Jack' and 'Holiday Road,' food trucks and bars are typically available, offering a variety of options. For daytime visits, it's advisable to bring your own snacks and drinks.
Food offerings at events can vary but often include popular food truck fare, such as tacos, burgers, and sweet treats. Some events may also feature themed drinks.
For daytime visits, bringing your own food and drinks is generally permitted and recommended. For ticketed events, check their specific policies regarding outside food and beverages.
Yes, the nearby city of Calabasas offers a range of restaurants and cafes. You can find various dining options before or after your visit to the ranch.
Yes, alcoholic beverages are often available for purchase at ticketed events like 'Holiday Road' and 'Nights of the Jack.'
📸 📸 Photography
The historic Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, the scenic mountain views, and the elaborate decorations during seasonal events offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Yes, photography is encouraged during these events to capture the festive atmosphere and impressive displays. Some events may even feature designated photo spots or AR experiences.
For general daytime visits, photography is usually unrestricted. During private events, it's always a good idea to be mindful of other attendees and event staff.
A camera with good low-light performance and manual settings is ideal for capturing the light displays. A tripod can also be very helpful for sharper images.
Drone usage is typically restricted in national park areas and at private event venues. It's best to check with the ranch management or event organizers for their specific drone policy.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
📸 Photographers and History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the History and Architecture
Beyond its architectural beauty, the ranch has also been a site for various uses, including a dude ranch and, more recently, as the filming location for shows like 'The Biggest Loser' and even a cult compound in a 'Ghost Adventures' episode. This layered history adds a unique mystique to the property, making it more than just a scenic spot but a place with stories to tell. The California Naturalists program has also utilized the ranch for educational purposes, focusing on local history and culture.
Seasonal Events: Nights of the Jack & Holiday Road
Following Halloween, the ranch hosts 'Holiday Road,' a popular Christmas event that offers a magical holiday experience. This event features impressive Christmas decorations, often with themes from popular holiday movies, creating a festive and immersive environment. Similar to 'Nights of the Jack,' 'Holiday Road' usually includes food and beverage options, making it a complete outing for the holiday season. Both events are highly popular, so booking tickets well in advance is crucial to avoid disappointment.
Hiking and Outdoor Activities
During the day, the ranch grounds themselves are open for exploration, allowing visitors to appreciate the natural setting and the historic buildings. It's a great place for nature photography and enjoying the fresh air. The accessibility of the ranch for free daytime visits makes it a valuable resource for locals and tourists alike seeking outdoor recreation in the Calabasas area.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit